Jamm Design is a graphic design company which specialises in printed catalogues and fine art books for auction houses. We spoke to Jacki Connell and Michelle Helliwell to find out more about their experience working with Cambrian Printers on its high-end glossy auction catalogues.
The aim of our catalogues is to showcase the lots in an auction for the benefit of buyers and sellers. They are particularly time-sensitive because each auction has a set date, which means there can be extremely fast turnaround times. Our goal is to achieve the maximum distribution time, as well as produce a well-designed and high-quality product.
Cambrian Printers not only print and bind these books, but also deal with mailing and any other particulars a client may need as an extra. We know that there is always a handy additional set of eyes to cast over the final print files and ensure that everything is in order, which is especially useful as we often have very little time to prepare the catalogue. The team is always on the lookout for any glitches that may have slipped us by and will always get them to press as soon as possible to ensure we meet deadlines, which can move around quite a bit in this industry.
Cambrian Printers is staffed by experts who are able to give good, solid advice in any area of print, and if they don’t know they will make a point of finding out. We are often asked to source a special kind of paper; to finish, bind or die-cut something unusually. We know that we will receive straightforward and quick answers without being blinded by technical science.
We have used several print partners over the years (between us we have over 30 years’ experience in the print industry). However, Cambrian Printers is at the top of the tree when it comes to honesty, good communication and straight talking, which is vital in this fast-paced environment. A lot of our work has to be mailed out, so paper selection is critical when it comes to both weight and quality – the world of paper can sometimes be baffling and unpredictable. On occasion our clients need a small print run or an additional later print run, so Cambrian Printers will advise us on both cost and timing as to whether any job would be better off on a digital press.
We have dealt with printers for decades, mainly in the UK, but also on the Continent, North America and the Far East. The majority of printing companies – with a few rare exceptions – use smoke and mirrors with their communications, especially when it comes to estimating costs. We’ve always had a straight talking and trusting relationship with Cambrian Printers. On the very rare occasion we have to question anything we know we will get an honest answer. We like to have a laugh at work and they’re just as happy to join in – we look forward to our visits and have spent many a happy day together!
